- suv 129,651
- Albuquerque, NM
- 6 years
- autoshopper.com
- suv 129,651 grey automatic
2008 dodge durango review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Big and brawny, yet surprisingly refined. introductiondodge durango looks tough but rides smooth. Big and bulky, it handles like a truck, but it's quiet, roomy, and comfortable, with a host of available technology. this second-generation durango, which first appeared as an '04 model, slips between the chevy tahoe and ford expedition in exterior dimensions. standard seating is for five, seven or eight (depending on model); optional second-row bucket seats provide six- or seven-passenger capacity. With all seats folded, there's more than 100 cubic feet of cargo space. And a properly equipped durango with the optional hemi engine is rated to tow up to 8,950 pounds. a v6 is standard, but two v8s are available and both are superb. The flex-fuel 4. 7-liter v8 is upgraded from 235 to 303 horsepower for 2008 without a fuel economy penalty. It can run on gasoline or up to 85 percent ethanol (e85). It's smooth and powerful, but drivers who want or need more can opt for the celebrated 5. 7-liter hemi. Both v8s come with a five-speed automatic transmission that's smooth, refined, and responsive. The 303-hp 4. 7-liter v8 and five-speed automatic are optional 785) for those models, and standard for all others. Dodge's 335-horsepower 5. 7-liter hemi v8 is optional for 2wd slt 1780), awd slt 990) adventurer 990), and limited 795). It comes with a five-speed automatic transmission. A technology group for sxt 1030) includes a six-disc cd changer, sirius satellite radio, remote engine starting, and laminated side glass. slt 2wd 29,785) and slt awd 33,065) add upgraded yes essentials seat fabric that dodge says is odor and stain resistant, rear air conditioning and heater, eight-way power driver seat, two-passenger third-row folding bench seat, am/fm radio with six-disc cd changer, sirius satellite radio, floormats, fog lights, and 265/60r18 on/off-road tires on alloy wheels. Slt is offered with the technology group ii 2105). It includes rear obstacle detection, rearview camera, alpine sound system, mygig entertainment system that replaces the six-disc cd changer, leather-wrapped steering with radio controls, uconnect wireless cell phone link, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. the off-road oriented adventurer 2wd 31,710) and adventurer awd 33,930) come with all slt features, plus special off-road equipment that includes tubular side steps, reversible slush mats, a rubberized washable cargo liner with built-in cargo organizer, unique machine-finish wheels and mineral gray moldings and fascias. Adventurer also comes with a thule roof rack with a choice of six rack systems or a unique adventurer accessory kit. This model deletes the six-disc cd changer. the mygig entertainment system is new for 2008. It includes a 6. 5-inch touchscreen and a 20-gigabyte hard drive to hold songs and pictures. It is included in the technology group ii for slt and adventurer and is standard on limited. The short front and rear overhangs, not typical of a full-size suv, contribute to durango's forceful expression. The short hood and flared fenders give the durango the look of a big-rig truck. That short hood leads into a steeply raked windshield and sloping roof. The front fenders make the hood look as narrow as it is short. Available 20-inch chrome-clad wheels are optional on both the slt and limited. All of these big rims are framed nicely by durango's bold wheel arches. The larger (6x9-inch) rearview mirrors are heated and folding on all models. the roofline dips slightly at the rear, and the liftgate window curves in to meet it, which keeps durango from looking entirely like a box. Afterburner tail lamps are another dodge hallmark. The center high-mounted stop lamp is integrated smoothly into the rear roofline. A wide chrome applique accentuates the rear liftgate and features a centered, three-dimensional ram's head. despite its modern aerodynamics, the durango takes its styling cues from the 1946-68 dodge power wagon, which was essentially a world war ii t214 military truck with a longer wheelbase and a civilian-style, fully enclosed cab. Large amounts of glass contribute to that feeling along with lots of cargo space. The yes essentials fabric in slt models is said to be stain, odor, and static-resistant, though we didn't see any mention of dog hair. The slt has orange-hued wood trim, while the limited presents a cleaner look with its brushed aluminum. And that trim is real wood and real aluminum, not plastic. second-row bucket seats are available to replace the standard 40/20/40 bench. A second-row floor console is part of the bucket-seat package. As a compromise for customers who need to carry five adults, the 40/20/40 bench has a recline feature on all but sxt. Separate rear-seat climate controls are also standard on all but sxt, where they are optional; that's a useful feature when carrying dogs. details are carefully thought out, including convenient grab handles cleverly molded into the stubby rear leg of the second-row seat, which ease climbing back to the third row. Once back there, a small bubble in the ceiling provides additional headroom for third-row passengers. A one-piece third-row bench is optional on sxt and standard on slt and adventurer. On limited models, the third row is split 60/40 for additional convenience. The second-row seat easily flips forward with the touch of one hand, and the seatback flops flat just as easily. This is no small virtue. cargo capacity is quite impressive. Behind the second row of seats is 68 cubic feet of cargo space, equal to the total for many suvs. Put the second row down, and there's 102 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The distance between the wheel housings is 48 inches, so full-size sheets of plywood can be loaded flat. Speaking of loading cargo, this task is aided by the liftgate, which opens easily and is power-operated on limited models. The cargo floor is relatively low, thanks to the rear.
Albuquerque, NMAlbuquerque, NM 6 years at autoshopper.com